For years it was believed that ADD was caused, or at least aggravated by the consumption of sugar. Sugar was believed to cause hypoglycaemia and it was found that hyperactivity and/or ADD and hypoglycaemia are interrelated. Now that we know that it is the high glycemic index (GI) foods that cause the hypoglycaemia, (especially when eaten when inactive or before exercise or alone), children with ADD should rather avoid high GI foods such as refined bread, most cereals, cold drinks, energy drinks and sweets that are high in glucose, rather than to just avoid foods that are high in sugar.

Many children with ADD crave high GI carbohydrates, which leads to hypoglycemia. All high GI foods cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, which causes a temporary surge of energy and at the same time hyperactivity. This is due to the fact that high GI foods cause a sudden and, in most cases, high rise in blood glucose levels. This causes the pancreas to pour out insulin, in an attempt to bring the blood glucose down to a normal level. Most people’s bodies, especially those of children who suffer from ADD, pour out too much insulin, causing too much glucose to be drawn out of the blood and the blood sugar level to fall below normal. The end result is a hypoglycaemic attack with irritability, poor sleeping habits and lack of concentration. (See section on Hypoglycemia for other symptoms of hypoglycemia that are caused by eating high GI foods.) When high GI foods are eaten for breakfast, the children can suffer a hypoglycaemic attack 1-1.5 hours later, which is still before first break and at a time when their brain should still be receiving a steady supply of energy from the food that was eaten 2-3 hours before. If these foods are eaten at break times, which often happens, since the person feels the need to compensate for the tired feeling by eating some more high GI foods, the same scenario can repeat itself later in the morning, which is the reason these children cannot concentrate. The brain fuel is constantly undergoing huge swings and this is not conducive to thinking or behaving in a normal manner.

It is now known that an adverse food reaction can also cause a significant drop in blood glucose. The person’s endocrine (glandular) system is overreacting and this causes a sudden rise and later a drop in blood glucose. Histamine causes the adrenal glands to excrete adrenalin which stimulates the liver to convert stored sugar (glycogen) into blood glucose. This sudden rise in blood sugar levels can also cause the pancreas to pour out insulin. The end result is a hypoglycemic attack. If a child is allergic to a specific food, it can also cause hypoglycemia and consequently blood glucose and mood swings. The fact that allergy to a food affects blood glucose has been confirmed by GI tests done.

Caffeine can also cause hyperactivity initially and hypoglycemia with the resultant symptoms later. This is due to the fact that caffeine also stimulates the adrenal glands to excrete adrenalin, which stimulates the liver to pour glucose into the blood stream. This sudden rise in blood sugar levels can once again cause the pancreas to pour out insulin. The end result is a hypoglycemic attack.

Treatment of ADD:

In the light of the above, all high GI foods, caffeine and any food to which a child with ADD is allergic, should be avoided, due to the fact that all these foods can induce hypoglycemia and the latter and ADD is interrelated. If low GI foods are eaten most of the time, but especially for breakfast, since the latter sets the tone for the rest of the day, the brain receives a steady supply of energy from the food. This is because low GI foods do not result in a sudden, nor high rise in blood glucose and consequently no sudden drop in blood glucose due to the over secretion of insulin. It keeps blood glucose levels even and enables the child to concentrate better. The emotions are also more stable. Examples of low GI breakfast foods are oats, wholewheat Pronutro, High Fibre Bran, deciduous fruits and fruit yoghurt, to name but a few. (See GI list at end of Introduction for more ideas). It is, however, usually better to use natural brown sugar (in moderation) for children with ADD, due to the fact that white sugar usually goes through a lot of processes to get it so white eg. bleaching. It is also still advisable to keep these children away from colourants, flavourants, preservatives, as well as salicylates, which are chemically related to the former three additives. The only exception to the low GI rule is during, but especially after exercise, but more about that in the sports section. Please note that ALL the recipes in "The Sustained Energy Recipe Book" is suitable for children with ADD.